Bessie Abramovich

Bessie Samartano Abramovich, 91 ROCKFORD - Bessie Samartano Abramovich, 91, a lifelong resident of Rockford, died Friday, Oct. 22, 2010. Born May 3, 1919, she was the second of Nicholas and Angelina Samartano's four children and their oldest daughter. She was preceded in death by her parents; older brother, Michael Samartano; and daughter-in-law, Nancy Lee. She is survived by sons, Michael F. (Carol) Abramovich Jr. of Albuquerque, N.M., and George James of Escondido, Calif.; daughter, Helene (Arthur) Hinkel of Machesney Park; grandchildren, Michael Abramovich of Albuquerque, Wendi Abramovich of Rio Rancho, N.M., Kelli Abramovich of Glendale, Ariz., Tom (Bobbi) Leu of Rockford and Lorianne Hinkel of Machesney Park; great-grandchildren, Cameron Montano of Rio Rancho, N.M., Christian Leu of Rockford and Maddy and Gabby Roth of Rockford; sisters, Josephine Edgren of Rockford and Mary Briski of Lexington, Ky.; and two nieces and one nephew. Bessie was a longtime communicant at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, and during her life she worked first as a nurse's aide, then at Atwood Industries, where she retired in the 1970s. She was a kind-hearted and loving woman who enjoyed good pasta, fine chocolates and entertaining with the Dancing Dames dance troupe. The family would like to thank Alpine Fireside Health Center's nurses, CNAs and their entire staff for all the loving care; and the staff at Transitions Hospice for their compassionate concern. The family extends a special thank-you to Karina and Stephanie for always keeping our beloved mother entertained. Mass of Resurrection at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, in St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2300 Bell Ave., where family and friends will gather from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Express condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfuneralhome.com.